Obviously, moving overseas was a purposeful, happy decision for us. It's not like some people think, that we don't care about our extended family, or that we don't mind being far away from them. Of course we care. Of course we mind. Of course we wish we saw one another more often, especially at times like these - weddings, births, graduations, or just 'cuz. And I know we're not the only ones missing out. A lot of your extended family's life happens when you're far away, whether it's 8000 miles or 1000 miles or 200 miles. (Any less than 200 miles...umm, what's your excuse for missing major family events?!? Hahahahaha.)
Since we moved to the UAE, we've missed no fewer than FOUR births of nieces and nephews. When I meet my niece Shiloh sometime in July, for the very first time, she will be 20 months old.
I missed my sister's wedding in 2008. I missed Jeremy's sister's wedding in 2005. I missed Jeremy's brother's wedding in 2010. I've never been to a niece or nephew's baptism. Except for my very first niece, I've never been there to see a brother or sister's (or in-law's) baby anywhere near the time of birth. I've never been to anyone's graduation - heck, I even missed my own (I was in Russia when it happened).
I'm sad I'm not at my littlest brother's wedding. Sometimes it gets old, missing things.
Let's commiserate. What major extended family events have you missed (especially due to extreme distance) that you want to pout about now?
PS - Congratulations, Steven and Kristi! I know you don't really care that I'm not there, and I mean that in the best possible way.